Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the challenges and opportunities related to effective leadership within the UAE's hospitality sector.
 Materials and Methods: The research uses qualitative methods, including interviews, to explore the relationship between leadership techniques and employee performance. A case study from the UAE hotel industry provided an engaging case study for analysing leadership tactics and their effects on staff performance.
 Findings: Transformational leadership styles, fostering a shared vision, are effective in boosting employee motivation, job satisfaction, and performance, while autocratic leadership can lead to decreased satisfaction. Cultural diversity challenges highlight the need for cultural sensitivity, cross-cultural training, and inclusive work environments. Hospitality leaders in the UAE should cater to diverse backgrounds for exceptional guest experiences.
 Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study is significant as it fills a gap in scholarly literature by analysing the relationship between leadership strategies and worker performance in the UAE hotel industry, thereby significantly impacting both academic and practical aspects of the industry.